OK, I answer with some hesitation because I really don't know personally ... but my accountant had me complete some kind of form so that he could file my return on paper -- I think it was necessary for some reason due to one or more of the following circumstances for 2010 -- we bought / sold a house and had the tax credit associated with that, we did some home improvements that qualified for tax credits (energy saving windows, etc.), and had a lot of donations (of stuff we couldn't bring with us due to lack of space), although I think the latter was NOT a reason that they couldn't file my return electronically. Or it might have been something else unusual on the 2010 return for us.
It clearly was the default / usual practice for the accountant to file returns electronically, but apparently there are exceptions even if you use an accountant who otherwise must use the electronic filing.
Since I haven't done an electronic return with my accountant (yet - but 2011 might work out when I get around to it), can anyone tell me how you sign the return? They actually used to return the forms if you didn't sign them, so at one time a signature was important. I'm not familiar with how "electronic signatures" work (one of the tech-stupid areas of my life). Quite honestly, I don't see why they WOULD care, as long as you sign the check if you owe them money :)
Thanks!
--BG
===============
> 1.4. Re: W2G
>
> The no paper rule applies to preparers but not to
> individuals. This is from the IRS site.
>
> "any tax return preparer who anticipates preparing and
> filing 11 or more Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and 1041 during
> a calendar year must use IRS e-file".
>
